Chrome is a web browser used by approximately 20% of those with desktop Internet access. Though popular, this web browser can sometimes present users with various problems and error messages. One of these error messages is known as a “host” problem, that leads to your Chrome browser stalling and being unable to load web pages. When this happens, you will see a “Resolving Host” message displayed in the lower left corner of your screen.
Below, we will be walking you through a few troubleshooting steps that might fix ‘Resolving Host’ issues with Google Chrome.
What is a ‘Resolving Host’ error in Google Chrome?
Before we get into the troubleshooting steps, what exactly is a “Resolving Host” error? This error appears on the screen when you are unable to load a website. Your screen will say “This webpage is not available” and in the bottom left, you will also see a message such as “Resolving host…”
Here is an example of the ‘Resolving Host’ web display:
What causes the ‘Resolving Host’ error?
There is a complex process that takes place when you type in a URL of a website into your Chrome browser. Though technology has advanced, and the process may seem fast and therefore simple, a lot has to happen before your computer can actually access a website. This means that a few things can also go wrong in that process.
First, that URL that you entered has to be converted into an IP address that your computer can recognize. This takes place in the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS is a multifaceted hierarchy of data that functions like an address book to help your computer find where it’s trying to go.
Once your computer finds the IP address that matches the URL that you entered, it can then send the IP address to the browser, thus displaying the webpage.
Much like a language, if your computer is speaking one language and is receiving another, this can cause problems, as your computer won’t be able to convert it over. This can occur for a number of reasons:
- The stored DNS cache doesn’t match a new IP address.
- There was a change in your ISP that is conflicting with the DNS server.
- Your internet service provider (ISP) has configured an unreliable DNS server.
- There was a change in the DNS settings.
5 proven methods to fix a ‘Resolving Host’ error
Now that we’ve covered the basics of why your computer might be experiencing this error, it’s time to get to the bottom of your computer’s issue. Below, we have compiled five potential solutions to help you troubleshoot the ‘Resolving Host’ error.
Clear the DNS Cache in Google Chrome
One of the first steps you can try for resolving the host is by clearing the DNS cache in your web browser. The DNS cache stores content on your computer that helps it find sites that you visited previously. Where it can go wrong is when a site has changed its servers, but your computer keeps trying to access the old, outdated information.
To help your computer find the correct domain name, you can try clearing its cache.
- Open your Chrome browser.
- Click on the address bar and type in: chrome://net-internals/#dns
- Hit Enter, and you will be taken to a page like the one in the image below.
- Click on DNS in the left menu
- Then look for where it says Clear Host Cache. Click on the button to clear the cache.
- Close Chrome and relaunch the browser to see if this gets rid of the error.
Change Your DNS Server to Google Public DNS
If the above solution did not work, then the next thing you can try is changing your computer’s default DNS. Your internet service provider (ISP) automatically provides your computer with a default DNS. Sometimes, however, this default DNS setting isn’t stable or reliable. In this case, you can try switching to Google Public DNS, which is known for being a reliable DNS.
- First, access the search bar by either pressing your Windows key or clicking on the Start Menu.
- Once there, search for “ncpa.cpl” and click on Open.
- Find the item option that says “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on it, followed by Properties.
- Manually choose the DNS servers by selecting “Use the following DNS server addresses:” and typing in 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server.
- When done, click on OK, and then test it out by entering a URL into the search bar of your Chrome browser.
If the error message still pops up, move onto the next potential solution.
Flush and Reset the TCP/IP
The next thing you can try is resetting the TCP/IP. TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol, and IP stands for Internet Protocol. These protocols are responsible for helping two different computer networks communicate. If one of those networks is interrupted, it can’t receive the instructions, thus resulting in the ‘Resolving Host’ error.
To fix this kind of problem, you will need to do a more advanced troubleshooting technique that involves administrator tasks using the Command Prompt. Let’s go over the steps one by one.
- First, either press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start Menu.
- Access the Command Prompt tab by searching for “cmd”.
- From there, you will see the option to “Run as administrator.” Click on it to access the Command Prompt.
- Once you’ve accessed the Command Prompt, complete the administrator tasks by typing each of the following inputs in and hitting the Enter button after each command:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- Lastly, you will want to restart your computer and then try accessing Google Chrome to see if the error has successfully been resolved.
Disable the Autocomplete Searches and URL Settings
The next troubleshooting option you can try is disabling the autocomplete settings in Chrome. Worth noting, in one of Google’s recent updates, they removed a common solution known as “Disabling the DNS prediction or prefetching.”
While this option is no longer used, you can still disable the autocomplete searches, which may help prevent your computer from accessing stored, incorrect search phrases and URL addresses. Chrome uses the autocomplete so that you can access websites quickly. It does this by storing addresses of pages you’ve visited as cookie data.
While the stored data makes it easier to find websites you’ve visited in the past, it can also cause your computer’s ‘Resolving Host’ issue because your computer could be trying to access URLs and IP addresses of websites that have changed their servers. To fix this problem, try disabling the autocomplete searches and URL in Google Chrome:
- First, open your Chrome browser.
- In the address bar type in: chrome://settings/syncSetup
- Toggle off the switch for “Auto-complete searches and URLs”.
Once you’ve toggled this feature off, restart your browser and then try to access websites that were showing the error. If this step doesn’t work, move onto our last option for troubleshooting your computer’s ‘Resolve Host’ error.
Change Your LAN Settings
Another thing you can try is changing your computer’s LAN settings. The Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is often used by private businesses and homes, where multiple, trustworthy devices can be connected to the same network.
Sometimes, however, LAN settings can cause problems if the settings are configured to prevent too many devices from being used at a time. This can also mess with the IP addresses that your computer is receiving.
To change your LAN Settings, follow these steps:
- Open your Chrome browser again and click on the three-dot icon.
- Go to Settings and open the Advanced section.
- Select System in the left menu.
- From there, you will want to click on “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
- This will open up your computer’s proxy settings screen.
- You will want to make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is NOT selected.
- Restart your computer to see if this troubleshooting solution worked.
What if my computer is still showing the error?
If you’ve gone through all of the above solutions, but your computer is still showing the ‘Resolving Host’ error, then you will need to contact your ISP. Be sure to have a list of the URLs that won’t load on your browser when you call them. They will be able to investigate the issue to see why certain sites are being blocked by their services and can hopefully get to the bottom of this problem once and for all.
